Just as scheduled, Reggie Fis-Aime, Nintendo of Americas President announced a the release date, bundles, prices and a few titles for the Wii U a few moments ago.
Like the rumors suggested, the console will reach the public on November 18, a Sunday, and just like in Japan, it will have two versions: the Basic selling at $299 and a Deluxe one that will cost $349.
The Basic Bundle includes the console in white, the GamePad, a power converter, HDMI cable and a sensor bar. The Deluxe Bundle is the same only in black, plus a bigger memory (probably 32GB flash), a charging base for the GamePad, support for the console and subscription to the Deluxe program that will award points for purchases made at the eShop as well as the Nintendo Land game.
After the announcement came a demonstration of Metroid Blast, New Super Mario Bros. U and LEGO City: Undercover, all of this highlighting the central role the GamePad will have in these and other games.
Fils-Aime took the stage once again to introduce Nintendo TVii, a service through which Wii U consoles will have access to television content via Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon Instant Video and US networks like Fox, MSNBC and HBO.
Users will be able to search for all kinds of shows, sports events, series and movies through its accessible interface as well as mark them as favorites, record them and share them with friends.
Nintendo TVii will also feature reviews, sports scoreboards and more individually organized for every user and Mii in their console. Like with videogames, in this case the GamePad will act as a remote and a provider of more information like statistics, summaries of previous chapters and polls while also allowing the user to post on Twitter or Facebook.
One of the biggest surprises was the announcement of Bayonetta 2, a Wii U exclusive. Also unveiled were The Wonderful 101 and Monster Hunter 3 with online multiplayer y LAN. Nintendo left for last what a lot of the audience already suspected, Call of Duty: Black Ops II and other Activision games like Skylanders Giants, 007 Legends and Transformers Prime: The Game.
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Rodrigo Villanueva writes for Level Up
Translation: Karen.balderas@sandiegored.com
